Protesters storm FCT High Court, accuses Presidency of interference [Photos]

Angry youths under the umbrella of Effective Representation Ambassadors and Defenders of Democracy stormed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja to protest the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Sarakiand his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

Dressed in customised shirts on black trousers, the protesters were seen chanting anti-government slogans and singing solidarity songs at the court premises on Monday, June 27, 2016.

Speaking with Pulse.ng, Engr Nick Obim Ozoisi, a political analyst who led the groups accused the executive arm of government of interfering with the legislature.

He advised the federal government to focus on more pressing national issues such as insurgency, militancy and poverty eradication.

"Both Saraki and Ekweremadu were not not properly arraigned, they were not asked to come and give statement at the police station. The arraignment notice came later. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, a sitting Senate President is being arraigned for an internal issue that has to do with the National Assembly.

"The executive arm of government should allow the legislature and judiciary perform their duties independently. There are so many problem in the country; insurgency, militancy, poverty, the economy is in a sorry state. These are enough problems for the president and his team to worry about.

"We are here to protest because we feel this is becoming personal and not criminal as the federal government is trying to make it look. We condemn totally what the executive is doing to the legislature. The federal government should allow the Rule of Law prevail," he said.

Saraki and Ekweremadu arrived court with no fewer than thirty (30) lawmakers. Notable among them were Dino Melaye, Stella Oduah and Shehu Sani.

They were both granted bail on self recognition. The case was adjourned to July 11, by the presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Haliru

The senate leaders along with two others, Salisu Maikasuwa and Benedict Efeturi, have been accused of forging the Senate Standing Rule‎s 2015.